Stone Town is the capital of Zanzibar, an archipelago in Tanzania, East Africa. The town is also often known as “Mji Mkongwe,” a Kiswahili term meaning “old town.” The name of the town was later changed to Shangani fishing village and then eventually became known as Zanzibar.

The first inhabitants of Zanzibar were the local Bantu people, with remains dating back to the 6th century found at Fukuchani. Evidence indicates that early inhabitants were agriculturalists and a fishing community. The town later became a center for the East African slave trade, attracting different ethnicity to the islands for hundreds of years.

One of the unique features of Stone Town is its architecture. Almost all doors in Zanzibar have different designs influenced by Indian, Persian, African, British, and Arab styles. The streets of Stone Town are very narrow, requiring visitors to explore on foot or with a donkey.

There are many activities to enjoy while in Stone Town, including:

• Arab Old Fort: One of the historical sites in Stone Town is the Arab Old Fort, built by Omani Arabs in 1699 after expelling the Portuguese from the islands. The fort was later used as a prison in the 19th century and then became a Zanzibar railway terminal. Today, tourists visit the Arab Old Fort to learn about its history, and locals sell various items in the courtyard.
• House of Wonders: The House of Wonders, also known as the Palace of Wonders, is the largest and tallest building in Stone Town. Built by Barghash Bin Said, it was the first building in Zanzibar with electricity and the first in East Africa to have an elevator. The sultan ensured the main door was wide enough for him to ride an elephant through it, and animals were once chained in front of the building for display.
• Forodhani Gardens: Forodhani Gardens, also known as Jubilee Gardens, is located in Stone Town. These gardens may look ordinary during the day but come alive at night. If you enjoy delicious cuisine, this is a must-visit spot, where both locals and tourists gather in the evenings to enjoy a variety of continental dishes. Don’t forget to try the famous Zanzibar pizza!
• Visit the Old Slave Market: The old slave market of Stone Town is now a UNESCO-funded World Heritage Site. Stone Town was a center for slaves brought from different parts of East Africa. From the 18th to the 19th century, over 50,000 slaves were sold in this market every year. Today, the slave market site has been transformed into an Anglican Cathedral.
• Palace Museum: The current palace replaced the old one that was destroyed during the Anglo-Zanzibar War. It later served as the Sultan’s family residence and was used as a government seat in 1964. Now a museum, it exhibits the royal family’s artifacts, offering tourists insights into life in Zanzibar in the 19th century.
• Freddie Mercury’s House: Freddie Mercury, a famous singer and songwriter, was known worldwide for his talent. Although he relocated to Europe, he was born and raised in Zanzibar. Fans of his music can visit his childhood home and learn about his early life.
• Prison Island: Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, is about 6 kilometers from Stone Town. In the 1860s, it was used for rebellious slaves. A British minister later built a prison complex on the island, but no slaves were ever imprisoned there; instead, it served as a quarantine site for yellow fever patients. Today, it is home to giant tortoises.
• Spice Tour: Zanzibar has long been known as the “Spice Islands” due to its thriving spice industry. Spices have been grown on the islands for many years, and visitors can tour spice plantations to learn about different kinds of spices. The island produces nutmeg, cloves, ginger, garlic, cinnamon, black pepper, red pepper, and more.
• Coastal Beaches: Zanzibar’s white sand beaches and turquoise waters provide the perfect place to relax after a Tanzanian safari or for honeymooners. Stone Town is close to several beautiful beaches and resorts for a relaxing getaway.
• Persian Baths: Built between 1870 and 1888 by Sultan Barghash Bin Said, the Persian Baths in Stone Town were public baths with rooms, restaurants, and shaving areas. These baths were accessible to both men and women, though only wealthy Zanzibaris could afford the entrance fee.
• Old Dispensary: The Old Dispensary in Stone Town was built in the 19th century to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. An Ismaili Indian started the construction, but he passed away before it was completed. His widow resumed work, but it was later completed by a prominent Indian who converted the lower floor to a dispensary and the upper floors to apartments.
• Snorkeling: Snorkeling in Zanzibar is a popular activity, with many spots available in the Indian Ocean. Visitors can see diverse marine life, including green turtles, seahorses, crocodile fish, octopuses, humpback whales, trumpet fish, porcelain crabs, white-tip reef sharks, mantis shrimp, frogfish, dolphins, cuttlefish, and more.
• Scuba Diving: Divers visiting Stone Town shouldn’t miss the opportunity to scuba dive around the Zanzibar islands. Some diving spots can be accessed by boat, while others are near the shores.
• Sunset Dhow Cruise: Zanzibar is known for its breathtaking sunsets over the Indian Ocean. One of the best ways to experience this is on a traditional dhow cruise, where you can enjoy the sunset while sipping a drink.
• Souvenir Shopping: Stone Town has many local shops selling handmade African crafts. Support the locals by buying these items as souvenirs or gifts to take home to your loved ones.

Getting There

Tourists can reach Stone Town via boat or ferry at one of five ports. Alternatively, flights to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport from Nyerere International Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport are also available.

Best Time to Visit

Stone Town can be visited year-round, although the best time may depend on the activities you plan, such as visiting Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, scuba diving, or snorkeling. Exploring the town’s historical sites can be done at any time.

Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park

Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is the only national park in Zanzibar, covering 50 square kilometers. The park is home to around 40 species of birds, 50 species of butterflies, and several animal species. The Zanzibar red colobus monkey, also known as Kirk’s red colobus monkey, is endemic to the islands and was named after Sir John Kirk, who introduced it to zoological science. The Zanzibar leopard, once considered extinct, was seen in footage from an American documentary, indicating it may still exist.

Jozani was first established as a forest reserve by the colonial government in 1952, later becoming a nature reserve and finally being designated a national park in 2004. Visitors can take nature walks or a mangrove walk in Jozani Forest. Walks typically last 45 minutes to 2 hours, making it ideal for a day trip. Entry fees are paid at the entrance, after which tourists are assigned a guide who will lead them on a walk, providing insights into birds, plants, and wildlife.

Birding in Jozani

Jozani has been designated as a birding area by BirdLife International. Bird enthusiasts can spot species like the long-tailed cormorant, African jacana, African darter, crested francolin, fulvous whistling duck, lesser flamingo, greater flamingo, white-backed duck, helmeted guineafowl, African palm swift, ring-necked dove, little swift, emerald-spotted wood dove, African pygmy goose, square-tailed nightjar, African crake, golden plover, Madagascar cuckoo, water thick-knee, African swamphen, black-bellied plover, Senegal lapwing, Pacific golden plover, African wood owl, black-headed heron, white-headed vulture, African sacred ibis, cattle egret, squacco heron, masked booby, white-tailed tropicbird, and broad-billed sandpiper, among others.

The post Discover Stone Town – Zanzibar’s Historic Heart & Cultural Gem appeared first on Magical Gorilla Adventures.

Changuu Island – Also referred to as Prison Island, Quarantine, or Kibandiko, Changuu Island is one of the breathtaking islands in Zanzibar. This small island is rich in history and beauty, marked by crystal-clear, turquoise waters, tall palm trees, and white-sandy beaches.

It is also known as the untouched Tortoise Sanctuary and a perfect getaway for nature lovers, surrounded by the tranquil waters of the Indian Ocean.

Changuu Island was famous for sheltering rebellious slaves in the 1860s, serving as a quarantine center for yellow fever patients, and functioning as a coral mine.

Location of Changuu Island

Changuu Island is only about 5.6 kilometers away and a 30-minute boat ride northwest of Stone Town on Unguja Island, the largest and most populated island of the Zanzibar Archipelago.

Size of Changuu Island

Changuu Island extends about 800 meters (0.8 kilometers) in length and approximately 230 meters (0.23 kilometers) in width at its broadest area.

History of Changuu Island

The history of Changuu Island is closely connected to the slave trade in East Africa. The name “Changuu” comes from a fish commonly found in the ocean waters around the island.

Initially uninhabited until the 1860s, the island was given by Zanzibar’s first Sultan, Majid bin Said, to two Arab traders as a prison for defiant slaves before they were shipped abroad or sold at the local Slave Trade Market in Stone Town.

In 1893, the island was acquired by Lloyd Mathews, a British naval officer, first minister, and abolitionist, who built a prison complex there.

However, the prison was never used to hold prisoners and instead became a quarantine center for yellow fever patients.

The main prison building served as a hospital and was renamed “Quarantine Island.” The island later became a popular vacation destination.

After years of disuse, the island became a government-owned tourist resort and is now home to several endangered Aldabra giant tortoises, which have existed for centuries.

The origin of the giant tortoises on Changuu Island dates back to the 1900s, when four specimens were gifted to the island by the British Governor of Seychelles.

Over time, the population grew, but by 1955, they were being stolen for food or sold as pets. To restore their numbers, 80 hatchlings were sent from Aldabra Island in Seychelles.

Beautiful Climate of Changuu Island

Like other Zanzibar islands, Changuu experiences two significant rainy seasons: the long rainy season from March to April and the short rainy season in November and December. The rest of the year is mostly dry, with clear skies, high temperatures, and abundant sunshine. There are two main dry seasons: the cooler dry season from June to October and the hot, humid dry season from January to February.

Unique Attractions in Changuu Island

• Giant Tortoises: The Aldabra giant tortoises were introduced to Changuu Island in 1919 as a gift from the British Governor of Seychelles. The tortoise population, initially only four, quickly grew to over 200 by 1955. However, locals began to steal them for food or sale, reducing their numbers. By 1996, only seven remained, prompting the shipment of 80 additional hatchlings to replenish the population. With the help of World Animal Protection, the remaining tortoises were safeguarded. Today, the island is home to a healthy population cared for by a dedicated foundation, and visitors can approach and feed them.
• Old Prison Buildings: Visitors can tour the old prison buildings, originally intended as a prison for slave traders, accompanied by local guides.
• Peacocks: Changuu Island is also home to a number of peacocks.
• Pristine White Sandy Beaches: The beach on Changuu Island is small but beautiful and perfect for swimming at high tide.

Sensational Tourist Activities on Changuu Island

• Snorkeling: Snorkeling is a must-do activity on Changuu Island, allowing visitors to explore deeper water levels and small coral areas offshore.
• Guided Nature Walks: Guided walks lead visitors across a wooden bridge to former prison ruins now covered with overgrown plants.
• Unwinding at the Beach: Visitors can sunbathe on the peaceful, white-sandy beaches, enjoying the beauty of the turquoise waters.
• Day Tours of Stone Town: Day tours to nearby Stone Town are possible and provide magical views of the bustling town from Changuu Island, especially at night.

Best Time to Visit Changuu Island

Changuu Island can be visited year-round, but the best weather for most activities is during the dry months: January, February, June, July, August, September, and December. These months are popular due to low tides and coincide with school holidays in Europe and America, increasing the number of tourists.

Best Places to Stay While Exploring Changuu Island

• Changuu Private Island Paradise: This exclusive retreat, located about 3.5 miles northwest of Stone Town, offers 15 exquisite cottages with verandas, a café, boutique, library, restaurant, and swimming pool.
• Asmini Palace Hotel: Located behind Sultan Palace and just a short walk from Forodhani Garden in Stone Town, this hotel offers a four-star experience with sea views, en-suite bathrooms, satellite TVs, air-conditioning, and a terrace.
• Tausi Palace Hotel: This midrange hotel in Stone Town offers BBQ facilities, sea views, and rooms with private bathrooms and seating areas.
• Maru Maru Hotel: Blending Zanzibari culture with modernity, Maru Maru offers spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop lounge with views of Stone Town and the Indian Ocean.
• Balcony House Zanzibar: Located in Stone Town, Balcony House offers rooms with shared bathrooms, ceiling fans, wardrobes, mosquito nets, living areas, and balconies.

Other accommodations near Changuu Island include Zenji Hotel, Kisiwa House, Tembo House Hotel, Park Hyatt Zanzibar, Mizingani Seafront Hotel, Malindi Guesthouse, Amigos Hotel, Africa House Hotel, and many others.

How to Reach Changuu Island

Changuu Island is approximately 5.6 kilometers from Stone Town, a quick 30-minute boat ride away. Due to its proximity to Stone Town, visits to Changuu Island can be combined with day tours of Stone Town.

In addition to Unguja Island, Zanzibar Archipelago includes other popular islands such as Pemba, Latham, Mafia, Chumbe, Mnemba, Bawe, Kisiwa Mbali, Misali, Jombe, and Chapwani.

The post Changuu Island (Prison Island) – Zanzibar’s Historic Gem & Giant Tortoise Sanctuary appeared first on Magical Gorilla Adventures.

Jozani Forest covers an area of about 50 square kilometers on the Zanzibar islands of Tanzania. It’s the largest remaining stand of near-natural forest in Zanzibar, comprised of salt marshes, mangroves, coastal forests, ground forests, and savannah grasslands.

In 1930, Jozani Forest was purchased by an Arab who established a sawmill within it. This continued until the late 1940s when the colonial government took ownership.

The government first designated Jozani as a forest reserve in 1952, later gazetting it as a nature reserve in 1960.

Despite this designation, deforestation and poaching persisted due to the lack of serious conservation measures.

Wildlife in Jozani began to thrive only after the reserve was upgraded to a national park in 2005.

Jozani Forest is home to the rare and endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkey, also known as Kirk’s colobus monkey, named after Sir John Kirk, a British resident in Zanzibar who first brought the species to the attention of zoological science.

The Zanzibar leopard also inhabits Jozani Forest, though some believe it to be extinct. However, locals suggest it may still exist and be kept by sorcerers for magic practices.

In 2018, an American documentary series showed footage of a small leopard, suggesting it might still inhabit the forest. The last sightings were reported around 2002-2003.

Jozani Forest hosts several wildlife species, particularly primates. Among the animals you might encounter are the Zanzibar servaline genet, suni antelope, Aders’ duiker, bush babies, suni antelope, and the Zanzibar tree hyrax, which is unique for acclimatizing to this forest.

Birding in Jozani Forest

Jozani Forest is an ideal birding destination, attracting bird enthusiasts with over 40 recorded bird species, some endemic to the forest.

Bird species in Jozani Forest include the helmeted guinea fowl, white-faced whistling duck, northern grey-headed sparrow, house sparrow, Richard’s pipit, African pipit, eastern crested guinea fowl, ring-necked dove, red-eyed dove, blue-spotted wood dove, emerald-spotted wood dove, African green pigeon, tambourine dove, pin-tailed whydah, common waxbill, bronze manikin, green-backed twinspot, black and white manikin, African golden weaver, forest weaver, village weaver, black-winged bishop, Zanzibar red bishop, African wood owl, Fischer’s turaco, Madagascar cuckoo, white-browed coucal, green malkoha, African palm swift, little swift, white-rumped swift, African swamp hen, water thick-knee, Senegal lapwing, black-bellied plover, common ringed plover, mouse-colored sunbird, variable sunbird, scarlet-chested sunbird, purple-banded sunbird, olive sunbird, East Coast akalat, Pemba white-eye, southern yellow white-eye, red-rumped swallow, lesser swamp warbler, yellow-breasted apalis, house crow, pied crow, black-backed puffback, tropical boubou, Eurasian golden oriole, cardinal woodpecker, red-fronted tinkerbird, African pygmy kingfisher, pied kingfisher, crowned hornbill, speckled mousebird, black-winged kite, African cuckoo hawk, palm-nut vulture, black-headed heron, goliath heron, long-tailed cormorant, and great crested tern.

The Mangrove Boardwalk

The Jozani Forest mangrove boardwalk offers tourists a way to explore the forest’s flora and fauna.

The mangroves comprise a large area of tree cover, and the walk, lasting 45 minutes to an hour, is guided by knowledgeable tour guides who explain the plants, birds, and the overall ecology of Jozani.

Best Time to Visit Jozani Forest

Jozani Forest can be visited year-round. However, for those interested in nature walk trails, the best time is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February, when trails are in good condition.

Birding is best from November to April, when migratory birds from North Africa and Europe are present in the forest.

Packing List

Tourists visiting Jozani Forest should bring hiking or walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellents, binoculars, cameras, plenty of drinking water, a light rain jacket, long-sleeved clothing, and any other essentials needed to make the trip memorable.

Park Entry Fees

The entry fee for Jozani Forest is paid at the entrance and includes the guiding fee.

After payment, visitors are directed to the reception, where a guide is assigned after showing the payment receipt.

Where to Stay in Jozani Forest

While there is no accommodation within Jozani Forest, tourists can stay at nearby hotels. Options range from luxurious beach resorts to mid-range hotels and budget accommodations.

Some nearby options include Paje Beach Bandas, Tiki Beach Zanzibar, Summer Dream Lodge, Mauwa Zanzibar Guest House, Drifters Zanzibar, Zanzibar Dream Lodge, Filao Beach Resort, Five Palms Marumbi, Paradise Beach Resort and Spa, Villa Noemi, Simba Apartments Hotel, Bazi’s House, Shamba Village, Tsunami Village, Fisherman Lodge, Zanzibar Bay Resort, Coconut Marumbi, Joschi’s Paradise Lodge, Shamba Village Hotel, Hakuna Matata Boutique, Tamu House Paje, V Hotel, Tree House Hotel and Spa, and many more.

Getting There

Tourists can reach Jozani by traveling to Zanzibar, accessible by ferry, speed boat, or flights to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport.

The Jozani National Park entrance is located on the main road from Zanzibar and is open daily from 7 am to 5 pm.

About Zanzibar

Zanzibar is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, consisting of many islands, with the main islands being Pemba and Unguja.

Often called the “Spice Islands” due to its thriving spice industry, Zanzibar is known for its diverse heritage, with influences from Africans, Arabs, Persians, Europeans, and Chinese.

Zanzibar islands are a perfect holiday destination for those who love turquoise-blue waters, white sandy beaches, historical sites, spices, and much more.

There are numerous activities to enjoy in Zanzibar, including:

• Snorkeling: Zanzibar islands are rated as top snorkeling destinations in Africa. Prime snorkeling spots include Nakupenda Sandbank, Kizimkazi, Prison Island, Chumbe Island, and Tumbatu Island. Marine life sightings may include leaf fish, sea horse, humpback whale, crocodile fish, octopus, cuttlefish, frogfish, white-tip reef shark, porcelain crab, bluefin trevally, lionfish, Mauritius scorpion fish, Indian Ocean walkman, blue-spotted ray, dolphins, and green turtles.
• Exploring Prison Island: Located about 6 kilometers from Stone Town, Prison Island was originally built to hold errant slaves but was later used for quarantining people with yellow fever. Today, it is home to giant tortoises.
• Visiting Spice Plantations: Zanzibar is famous for its spice plantations, where visitors can learn how spices such as nutmeg, black pepper, red pepper, garlic, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, lemongrass, turmeric, and more are grown, harvested, and processed.
• Scuba Diving: Zanzibar is an ideal destination for scuba diving, with various reef dives close to the shore or accessible by boat.
• Relaxing at the Beaches: After a long walk in Jozani Forest, you can unwind on Zanzibar’s white sandy beaches, enjoying swimming and sunbathing.
• Sunset Dhow Cruise: Enjoy a traditional sunset dhow cruise, taking in panoramic views over the ocean while sipping a sundowner and watching water birds.
• Exploring Stone Town: The historical capital of Zanzibar, Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with many fascinating historical places to visit, including the Old Port, former slave market, ancient doors of Zanzibar, old mosques, Turkish baths, and more.
• Visiting the Sultan Palace Museum: The Sultan Palace Museum was once a palace for Sultan Seyyid Said from the 1820s until the British destroyed it in 1896. Later rebuilt, it served several sultans until the 1964 revolution. The museum compound houses the tombs of various sultans of that era. It’s a must-see for history lovers looking to learn more about Zanzibar.

Other activities in Zanzibar include waterskiing, windsurfing, visiting the Forodhani Food Gardens, cultural encounters, and much more.

The post Jozani Forest – Explore Zanzibar’s Red Colobus Monkeys & Mangrove Ecosystem appeared first on Magical Gorilla Adventures.